I have been listening to so many women in the autistic community and relating in many ways. I'm 41 and am only now realizing that a lot of the stuff I do and experience is most probably because I'm autistic. I have no diagnosis as this is all quite new. But much of what you said resonates. Thank you for sharing!

@melaniecampbell-bruce7029

Жыл бұрын

Same here and I'm 50!

@JustWatchMeDoThis

Жыл бұрын

I am 52, about to turn another year older in February. I need friends that won't hate me for taking about my interests and understand my quirks. I mean really, we put up with a whole lot from NTs too, right?

Awesome video! I love watching videos like this while going through the process of an Autism diagnosis. Somedays when I'm more successful with my masking I gaslight myself and feel like an imposter for wondering if I have Autism, but videos, wherein Autistic people are open about how they experience their Autism, reminds me I'm valid to think that I have it, too, because I struggle with all the same things. Thank you!!

@Donna2D

2 жыл бұрын

I'm going through a similar experience. I'm 2 months away from my assessment and I was second guessing myself recently until I had another severe, sobbing, non-verbal meltdown at work. (Barely could get the words out to my boss, who is fantastic, "I need to go home." I felt so guilty for just leaving but I needed to get out of there). These videos are so important and I'm glad so many people are coming out about their Autism. It feels validating and I don't feel so alone in the things I experience on a daily basis and have since I was a child. Best wishes on your assessment process/diagnosis! I hope you get the answers that you need. :)

@brezilll

2 жыл бұрын

I think its so normal to feel like an imposter. As women, we tend to overcompensate for our autism (to our own detriment) and it can feel really difficult to fit in with the “typical” autistic stereotype that is not even based on women. Throw in ADHD and other things (like PMDD for me) and it makes it so difficult for untrained psychiatrists to see. I hope you found a provider who is experienced at diagnosing women ❤️

I am autistic and I was picking my face apart for hours when I had acne and I was stressed after meeting with people. Now I dont pick my face as I changed my diet (glutenfree, sugarfree, dairyfree, low carb..mostly plant-based) so I have not much to pick, also when I realised that I picked my face when I was stressed that helped me to be more conscious about it and stop myself....I also used to pull my skin as stimming, now I tend to turn into a sculpture from tension so I dont move at all (like at my autism diagnosis, and of course it takes hours, days to get back to myself and lots of alone time), NT people move casually, change hands, legs, posture, it was always hard for me to be casual in front of other people in a conversation situation....

My daughter (13) has a evaluation coming up. She shares some of these traits: has a favorite fork/spoon/cup, needs routine & knows exact times to get to places/hates to be "late" (her late), she can't keep many friends & obsesses over them, she's particular with who touches her & the types of touch they give & refuses handshakes/fistbumps, has to wear headphones & is overstimulated easily by noises not coming from her, obsesses over interests (mostly shows & books), she's constantly stimming (flapping is her favorite, but she also bites her cheek), & has trouble with emotional regulation (meltdowns, burnout) due to masking, & sticks with only white foods (rice, pasta with no sauce, bread/crackers, plain chicken). She was tested & labeled "gifted" by the beginning of 2nd grade... after watching this I have NO doubt she'll get a diagnosis.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Sending you all the good vibes she gets her diagnosis! I’ll put more videos up soon!

@maddif710

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely look into the concept of “twice exceptional” / “2e”

@doingslothstuffs

2 жыл бұрын

@@maddif710 I will, thank you!

@Zeraphei

2 жыл бұрын

Agreed! Being GT and autistic or having adhd can create unique challenges. I’ve heard many go undiagnosed as their GT traits end up compensating for autistic ones.

@doingslothstuffs

2 жыл бұрын

@@Zeraphei We have her screening scheduled for the beginning of October. 🤞🏽

I was just diagnosed with ASD. I'm in my 50s. I can relate to a lot of what you are describing. You are not alone. Autism is difficult, but it also brings gifts if properly concieved of and supported. Like you, I'm very sensitive to sound, and certain types of sounds can actualy trigger rage / meltdowns. Bad right? Well, it turns out I'm also gifted when it comes to music, something I've only recently discovered. It was a complete surprise. I became focused on playing guitar and singing several years ago, and have studied and practiced daily since then (special interest). Within a year other muscians, some lifelong professionals started to comment positively on videos I posted of my playing. I started playing as a way to fight depression and anxiety, and the guitar is an absolutely perfect stimming machine for me because of how repetitive and rythmic playing it is. It makes BEAUTIFUL SOUNDS that BLOCK OUT bad sounds, and I'm in control of it =D. It hurts my fingers a little too which is good lol....Singing is also perfect because I'm one of those verbal apsies, and it turns out people like my singing voice. I've litterally never been happier because I'm retired now (I was an architect and a teacher) and can spend ALL my time focusing on music. Another thing that transformed my life was ketamine infusion therapy for my depression and anxiety and suicidal thinking. It's a long story, but if you struggle with severe anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation like most of us on the spectrum, I urge you to research the treatment and consider it if nothing else has freed you from the mental torture that usually comes with autism. A single treatment straight-up cured my last episode of major depression, and did so very quickly - within hours, and I haven't relapsed 4 years later. Most people need booster treatments ocassionally, but it works for 80% of people with severe anxiety and depression, even when everything else has failed. Good luck - and pursue whatever you love most, no matter what. That's the key to contentment for autistic people, and it's how we can make our greatest contributions. No matter how hard things get or how hopeless you feel, never give up! Keep trying new things until something works. That's how I survived some VERY dark periods, and it's why I'm still here and now thriving.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing! 🖤

I was diagnosed with ASD when I was 54. When I was younger I rocked back and forth. Until my sister yelled at me, then I learned masking. Practiced it daily at school where I was bullied. I have all the traits listed in this video except for number ten.

@user-umcub

2 жыл бұрын

Being bullied and beaten by family members really dose help with the masking and stopping your natural response to things speaking from experience I am a black woman jamaican born when I was diagnosed at 7 my family did not tell me but rather used the regular methods to decipline me to change my behaviour. Only knew about my diagnosis about 2 months ago I did do a follow up with a trained professional that told me that I only learned to mask and my diagnosis is still valid even after so long. All I can say is I am so confused and trying to forget everything I have been told right now.

@LisaPFrampton

2 жыл бұрын

@@user-umcub omg sweetie I'm so sorry!! My family was traditionally believing that you can beat ADHD and ASD out of the kid, too. gratefully one of my cousins with ASD had better parents that did not beat him but instead got him therapy which helped him thrive! My son has ASD & ADHD and I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and I am very convinced that I also have ASD and I was abused as well because of my behavior. It's not fair to children to be beaten for any reason whatsoever and i consider it evil, so my heart breaks for you!!! Have you looked up tapping therapy? and EMDR? i highly highly recommend those things that you can do on your own that will help you heal!!! Love to you my Jamaican sister

I'm happy to find more yt channels with afab creators with autism!! Havent found many and im trying to understand more on asd since recently dx'd at 15. All of what you said is really smth i can relate to ^^ ty for sharing here! I hope to see your channel grow ^-^

Finally someone who is like me. I am 43 and have never been diagnosed. My son is 5 and has his diagnosis. I need help on how to get a diagnosis for myself. Thank you for this video I finally feel like I am not alone. The things you are saying my 13 year old daughter does also. 💜

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I’ll post my tips and all about my binder soon! I always felt like such a loner in this world until I was diagnosed and realized there were others just like me!

@faeriesmak

2 жыл бұрын

It’s difficult to get diagnosed as an older female..and it’s really expensive if you are in the US. Self diagnosis is valid due to this.

@LisaPFrampton

2 жыл бұрын

Michelle I am you same age! I am convinced that I also have ASD and was only recently diagnosed with ADHD only after my son was! He also has ASD (unofficially diagnosed but all his teachers and doctors acknowledge it in all his paperwork, etc) and I can relate so much to what you've been saying @Lennox Blake! This is just crazy to me. I think my oldest daughter who's graduating from HS this year also is on the spectrum! She and I would be considered "gifted" as well.

I love that you mentioned bubbly… I was often criticized and ridiculed because I was not bubbly enough in social situations. Although I was comfortable, fine and quite happy. (Lack of facial expressions) Then in other instances I would over correct and become too bubbly! Now I hate the word And I am annoyed by bubbly people, especially first thing in the morning. Lol Great video!!

Please share more of your diagnosis story or what gave you the notion to seek out a diagnosis. I feel like I just listened to myself speak- thank you for being so brave & raw 🖤

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I definitely will soon! I have a couple videos ready I’ll post them in the next couple weeks!

I loved this! I follow you on insta and tiktok and I relate to all of this, like wow. This definitely makes me really happy to watch. You’re awesome for making this video.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! That makes me so happy! I haven't posted on anything in awhile because my kiddos have been really sick and I've been trying to lose weight so thats taking all my spoons, BUT i promise i'll post more soon. It feels so good to know there are other people around who struggle with the same things as me and i'm not alone.

I'm 57 and just realized my ASD. What a life changer 🙌! After discovering Dr. Marshall and resonating with almost all of her criteria, my WHOLE crazy life now makes sense! Thank you for this video and I look forward to your next. I'm hoping to be diagnosed in the next few months and I'm kind of intimidated by the process.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Sending you all the positive vibes your way! It is a lot and sometimes it takes more than one try but it’s well worth it in the end! I will try to post a video on some times very soon! 🖤

I just recently got some Loop earplugs. They've really helped me as well. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Love this , thanks for sharing. You remind me a little of Stephanie Davis who also has a few videos on KZread about being autistic as an adult. Her heart is gold and she's beautiful like you❤

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Oh thank you! I’ll have to look her up!

I just got my diagnosis last year at age 45, it really helped answer so many questions and helped a great deal with my identity. Thank you for sharing this information, I have a lot of the same traits as you. You've earned a new subscriber! 😊

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I felt the exact same way! Before I felt like I was always having an identity crisis and now I know who I am and why I do the things I do.

@mohammedsaifullah633

2 жыл бұрын

Hi

Hope your channel gains more traction 🤙🏼

I recently was diagnosed. I’m glad you made this video because I live in a world where this just doesn’t exist (according to my family) so it really validates the way I feel.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I'm so sorry! I wish people could be more openminded and supportive and a lot less judgemental. There's a person in my family who literally just told me "everybody has autistic traits." I'm glad you found me! I hope my channel can be a safe, supportive place for all of us.

Hey, good luck for this channel :) I’m 38, waiting for diagnosis after a big burnout at work… So tired by the whole thing, but I hope it will get better

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much! Burnout is the worst! Sending you all the positive vibes!

You just helped me so much. I hate glass. Hate it. I have glass cups but won’t use them and everyone in my house knows if they try to dry a glass cup, plate, bowl or anything glass with a paper towel or towel I freak out. I know I’m weird but the noise it makes is like nails on a chalk board for me. God bless you and I’m definitely subscribing 💜. Also have never looked into peoples eyes, always looked at their mouth. I was made fun of several times for this, so now I try really hard to look at peoples eyes but it’s definitely hard to remember to do. 💜💜

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Yay I’m so happy you found me! I HATE glass. I was actually laughing the other day when I looked in my cabinets and it looks like a child’s cabinet with all plastic plates, bowls and cups! 😂 so funny

Thank you. So far you and Olivia are my top picks for understanding my daughters autism. As for spoon theory I use because of m MS, Lyme disease. She also has routine.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Oh wow thank you so much! Autism is hard, but it is also so beautiful! As I was growing up my moms best friend/neighbor had MS and it was so hard to watch. Sending you both so many good vibes and love!

So thankful of you sharing all of these traits. Sounds SO similar to me. I've been assessed twice now and both times the assessments were cut short as I apparently clearly don't qualify for ASD...which makes me only feel crazier, especially when I watch videos like these and relate to every single issue brought up and the person speaking is autistic...I'm like, ''Well what am I if not that?!''

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Ugh that’s so aggravating. I’m going to be posting tips soon on how to get a diagnosis. My daughters assessment has been aggravating as well. Her M chat was normal but she obviously struggles with a lot of autistic traits. The doctors really need to be educated.

@HarrietFitzgerald580

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg totally! It's been so frustrating, not bieng able to get appropriate help or support due to lack of a diagnosis and then not being able to get a diangosis due to lack of understanding; I know I would fall under the category of ''high functioning,'' but my god I am struggling, especially lately. I have kids too and some present a lot of traits, but they too are too ''high functioning''...I cannot even obtain complete evaluations for them.

@Zeraphei

2 жыл бұрын

If you haven’t done so already, you might look for someone that specializes in autism in females, or adult diagnosis of autism. Or better yet, adult diagnosis of females!

@HarrietFitzgerald580

2 жыл бұрын

@@Zeraphei I actually went to the top private clinic available closest to me, but unfortunately I found that they have a very narrow view of ASD; mainly the most ''severe'' form. So sadly the assessment was not even completed, as it was deemed unnecessary, since it was ''obvious'' to them that I wasn't autistic. Sigh.

I got my diagnosis a few years ago and I’m so glad I found this channel, I relate to so much of this! Thank you for sharing your traits ☺️ Edit: thank you for opening up about skin picking as this is something that I struggle with and am very ashamed of as not many people talk about it.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I’d love to talk about it more. Sometimes I do really well and then randomly it gets out of hand.

@hollypotter1424

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg same, it can be really frustrating for me

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

@@hollypotter1424 same here! So happy you found me! I don’t know a lot of skin pickers like me!

@Zeraphei

2 жыл бұрын

It is nice to year too. As it hadn’t occurred to me that it could be a stim.

@LisaPFrampton

2 жыл бұрын

I'm a skin picker 🤫🙈

We are like brain twins, omg. Every single thing you said is spot on for me. Even down to the Petito case!

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

No way! That’s so cool!

Yay! You are like me! It's nice to know I'm not the only one experiencing this.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

You definitely aren’t! 🖤

great and informative video, thank you! love hearing other autistic women's stories 🌷i'd also love to hear about your adhd if you're comfortable making a video about it :) i'm highly suspecting that i have adhd as well

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Yes I will definitely share more. I haven’t posted since my kiddos have been really sick. My daughter is also going through the process of getting diagnosed so I’ve put all of my energy into that! But I will definitely share more!

This was amazing!! I loved it so much!

@meganjuergensen2867

2 жыл бұрын

Still watching (at friends) lol it is my "working show"... So upsetting when it went off Netflix 😭

@meganjuergensen2867

2 жыл бұрын

We have so many things in common 🌈🧠✨

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

We got HBO Max just for friends 😂 can’t go without it.

I'm undiagnosed autistic (very quite certain) and was diagnosed ADHD in 3rd grade (2005/2006). I don't have as much a daily routine, but each task has its own routine. So, I don't always get up at the same time, but I always get up the same way, so-on. Being both makes for a bit of chaos, and self-frustration. Constant stimming to regulate my senses and emotions, and that's been my whole life, before I started looking into autism and before I started making the steps for unmasking. Before I started unmasking I would almost exclusively shutdown, it would take extreme overwhelm to get a meltdown, and even then I would channel it through a task (obsessive tidying or something like that to mitigate the anxiety). Now that I've been unmasking, it's hard to bring the mask back up and it's extremely difficult to hold back a meltdown. Luckily, I have coworkers and supervisors that look out for me and help me when I've gotten to the point of meltdown or if they can tell I'm overstimulated.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Major chaos. I always explain to people that my autism is the little angel on one shoulder and then there’s my ADHD on the other causing havoc! I’m so happy you have people like that around!

Just wanted to say thanks for this! Hope you are doing well!

OMGsh, I talk about nutrition ALL the time too and my family HATES it! In fact, my dad, stepmother and siblings hate me. I finally ditched them as family. Sad, but I am just following their lead and done trying to be acceptable to them. My mom hates me talking about that and other things I obsess about, but she is at least trying with me.

Your eyes are very pretty, and i can relate to a lot you said.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!

I relate to almost everything you've said BUT the 'I can hear absolutely everything except mumbling' Meeeee! I could literally tell who was coming by the sound of their keys or footsteps at my last job. I say I have supersonic hearing. Also agreed on getting rid of no longer fuzzy blankets. My biggest cringe is hair on/in my clothes, but especially IN the back of my shirt. I'll stop whatever I'm doing till it's gone. In case it is an issue for others too, I usually take a ruler backwards wrap tape at the end (sticky out) & scratch my back with it.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh that is genius. I hate if I can feel hair as well. Especially if it's on my arms. My daughter is TERRIFIED of hair. if there is a hair on the ground or anywhere near her she will scream, even if it's her own.

@SestraVixen

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg OH WOW! I am literally KNOWN by my friends for getting hair off their clothes! Pet hair? Doesn't phase me. Friend or stranger in front of me at a grocery store in a light top with one single strand reaching from shoulder to mid back? MUST REMOVE! Yep, I have done it to strangers "Excuse me, you have this hair on your shirt, there you go!" Now here's the funny part, they always say "thank you" as if you prevented them from some social faux paux 😆 it's the one part of my ASD traits I thought was totally OK, bc I never got reprimanded for it!

Great Video!!

I am the 666th subscriber! You deserve to be followed thank you for sharing!

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Wow thank you so much! That’s pretty cool 😌

I've been watching some autistic traits in women videos and I think I may be autistic. I am interested in seeing your diagnosis video because I am curious what that entails.

I just recently started to get my groceries delivered, because we have a lot of reckless and rude drivers here, and no longer enjoy driving anywhere. I also get social anxiety and feel stressed out in the grocery store, especially when people behave rudely or wait impatiently directly behind me while I am looking at the shelves (if you take more than 15 seconds, people seem to get irritated). Because of this, I don't get all of the things that I need (the stress causes me to lose my focus) and I feel like I am forced to just grab something off of the shelf without thinking about it.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

That’s what I do! Or we pick them up. It’s really the little things that can make such an impact on your day. The thought of going into a grocery store causes me an insane amount of anxiety. The only store I will go into is target.

@ArtsyMegz_On_Etsy

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg Yes. With having a physical job and only 2 days off a week, I need to do everything I can to recharge. I just realized that I was on the autism spectrum when two different people (on totally separate occasions) said that they were quite certain that I was on the spectrum, and it has totally freed me to be who I am, knowing that I am not just a quirky weirdo! So now I don't care if the neighbors think that I am weird for getting my groceries delivered to my door. I started doing this a week ago when I was still feeling burnt out after 2 days off, and dreaded the whole road trip to the grocery store, walking down the aisles, then having social anxiety at the checkout, then loading the groceries into my car, and then carrying them from the car to my house! Now I can pick out groceries while I relaxing and then I push a button and they magically show up on my doorstep! 🎇✨🎇 🥰

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

@@ArtsyMegz_On_Etsy same! After the rollercoaster of emotions after finding out I realized I needed to set boundaries because I was in a constant state of burnout and by noon each day I was nonverbal because I didn’t have the energy to speak anymore. Shopping trips take EVERYTHING out of me. I went to target the other day with my 8 year old and he had me in all the toy aisles and when we left I was exhausted and so overstimulated. Drive up/delivery is the only way to go for me.

@ArtsyMegz_On_Etsy

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg Yes, it always sucks when other people don't understand. My grandma very often gets frustrated with me because I don't go out multiple nights a week, after a work day. She hasn't had to work in at least 40 years now, and insists that she worked harder than me and claims to know all about the hotel industry even though she only worked in a restaurant and grocery store before. And then claims that my mother's job was harder than mine, and that's why it was more understandable if SHE was tired after work, but not me. When my mother was my age (36) she took naps after work, her job was hard work caring after handicapped people, but so is running a hotel buffet all by yourself, and then having to clean rooms after I close the buffet. This really offended me and I hardly see her because of it. But now that I discovered that I very likely have Aspergers Syndrome, hopefully she will believe me and become more considerate about it.

Awesome video. People don't quite understand how hard things can be for people like us. You have to modify your life to suit you.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. I totally agree.

God Bless You!

I prefer plastic cups also! I hate all glass things! I never heard anyone say that. Thanks for sharing this video.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Me too! The way the feel in my hand makes me want to vomit! I hate it

@arieltims8748

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg also needing your visor down at all times. I never really understand why I did that. I’m just now learning why I do the things I do. But I know people asked me why I do it and I always said I don’t Know lol I find comfort knowing the reasoning behind my odd behavior

Thanks very much for sharing 🤗

I haven’t heard of picking as a stim before. Interesting! My mom and I both struggle with picking. I too wear fake nails if I start doing it too much. And it obviously helps with chewing on my nails as well. Another tip for picking, or several rather, is Almay has this stuff to put on zits to clear them off. When it dries it kind of leaves this thin layer. So if you go to pick, you will first end up picking off that dry clear layer of product first. Another tip is tweezers. I keep tweezers EVERYWHERE, because using tweezers to take care of the little bumps and skin flakes is less likely to make me get as bloody, and won’t irritate my skin as much. It also helps with biting my cuticles. I have the same thing with kitchen stuff, but the opposite. I prefer glass, and there are some textures of plastic I can’t stand and it is like nails on a chalkboard. 🤢

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Oh my gosh how crazy! I’ll post a vlog soon so y’all can see my kitchen cabinets. Everything is plastic/paper. We have ceramic dishes for when we have people over but I don’t touch them. 😌 Oh good to know! I’m definitely gonna try that. I can get a magnifying mirror and go at it at my face picking things that aren’t really there 🤦🏻‍♀️ acrylic nails get really dull and makes it so hard to pick. I have my nails really short right now and the skin that’s usually covered by nail is super sensitive and I’m hating the feeling! I even woke up in the night last night and was mad about it 😅

hahah I am in North Texas, and found out I was autistic at 26, and I'm about to turn 27. Mom of 4 cats though!

Thanks for sharing. Maybe reframe “I held on to a firework” to “the adults in charge of me gave me a firework to hold…”

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Ha yeah 🥴

Loved hearing this, can definitely relate, especially with the frustration when people mumble! What are the earplugs you use?

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Loop! I got them off Amazon

@innerstorm1

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg awesome!! Thank you! 😊

Hi, is there anything you can do to help with this? I feel the same way with a lot of what you said and I feel I am just treated like i am being difficult but changing my routine is really hard, i could agree with 7/8 things you have said, is there anyway to help? Meds or CBT.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

No, there isn’t any meds for autism specifically. I’m still learning how different tricks to help myself but there’s always different challenges.

I do have the same 8/10 symptoms. I dont stim and my burnouts had been quiet serious like severe Paranoia or bipolar type-I mania. But I don't claim to be autistic or anything else. If anything I would accuse *hepatic encephalitis* and food & water & oil-gas industry for mistreating my liver and brain.

I have all of these traits and can relate very strongly but seem very personable to others. I've wondered if I'm on the spectrum for some time now but doctors and others just say that I'm much too able to communicate well or be extroverted. Can someone have all of these yet not be autistic? I know I have ocd but I just have this gut feeling with this, although I don't want to self diagnose.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

If I find someone I’m comfortable with I can be the same way! I met someone a couple months ago and she told me I was really outgoing and she would of never thought and I told her I was first off comfortable but I was also masking. She had no idea what that was.

I... Relate to ALL of these and I didnt understand what was happening until you explained the 'spoon theory'. All makes sense now. I only like being touched by my husband and a few family members but even some days I cannot deal with being touched. Theres also days were I really crave being held or leaning on someone. Im sensitive to sound yet sometimes crave blasting my music to relax or stim with my hands... Man its rough being this way aha

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I am the same exact way!

@mickey3747x

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg 💗

You mentioned you had really bad burnout, i was wondering what you did to help yourself. Im currently experiencing horrible burnout, i feel like i have no energy left. I haven't been to school in 2 weeks because of it. Was wondering if you had any tips or ways to help yourself during it.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Do you have Instagram? If so, please message me! Burnout is really tough but I do have some tips!

How old were you when you got diagnosed? How did you get diagnosed? You sound so so much like me! Do you have a video of what you and your life was like growing up? My childhood was so different and I've always considered myself a weird girl. I rock back and forth!!! Standing and sitting, especially when more upset or anxious. I rub my fingertips together. Man.....you remind me of myself so much.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Hi twin! I was 27, I have a video about my story. I didn’t write things down so it’s a little all over the place thanks to my adhd. I’m sure in the future I’ll sit back down and re do it! Lol I was literally just sitting here and thinking about making a video about my childhood and how u got away with not getting diagnosed sooner! Situations still pop into my head and I’m like 🥴 HOW DID THEY NOT KNOW I WAS AUTISTIC

@LisaPFrampton

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg omg right?? My family is quite ignorant about Autism. It runs in my family so that's kinda a sad thing. I need to find a doctor that knows his/her stuff that can diagnose me properly! Maybe my current psychiatrist could do that for me since he was the one that diagnosed me with ADHD recently.

Please upload more!

This just sounds like normal life for everyone. Except the touching but that is not a judgement! Its good to know yourself. Everyone can learn and find ways to grow and integrate into society. Hopefully you can find your way without paying drug companies.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

There actually isn’t any medication for Autism 😊 I also have ADHD but don’t take anything for that either.

I was recently diagnosed this year with adhd but I have experienced all these symptoms. I'm confused about the differences between autism and adhd.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I am also comorbid with ADHD. I would do your research about autism and see where you fit it. Also, be careful where you get your information about the two. I've seen people on TikTok talk about their ADHD traits and they are clearly Autism traits. I like to say that my autism is the little angel on my shoulder and my ADHD is on the other creating havoc.

@shinyxcrab6342

2 жыл бұрын

When they occur together it can be kind of difficult to figure out which traits go where since autism and ADHD do share a lot of traits with each other. For a long time I thought I just had ADHD, was diagnosed with it at 16. But last year figured out I’m also autistic after trying to find support for my son and realizing he’s autistic. He was diagnosed with ADHD first also, but later on got his autism diagnosis last year. I will be going to get my assessment in May this year. I think the main things that stand out to me that are separate from ADHD is the intensity/duration of restrictive interests/behaviors, the need for specific routines (doing something a certain way every time and inflexibility to change), and the social issues (but more than just rejection sensitive dysphoria that can come with ADHD). I think if you develop a fixation on autism for a long period of time though, that might be enough to feel sure enough that you are also autistic (along with identifying with the traits), since that seems to be very common when women discover they are autistic later on in life.

I do the spoon theary thing for a while, and I did not even know it is a thing before this. I just naturally do it. It is like I have to conserve energy. I know for sure that I can not do too much in one day for sure.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Me too! I know when my energy starts to go down and I get quite that I need some time or else I’m in a full meltdown.

@DeborahAnnsuperversatile

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg Yes, it is true. I really have to have some quiet times around me when I am quiet sometimes also. It can be hard with kids. I have one but she can be loud.lol, and she is most likely on the spectrum also. She is sensory seeking more, while I am sensory avoidant more.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Me too! My two oldest are so freaking loud. And my youngest will be a year in two weeks and she is super quiet and still isn’t talking. Sometimes it’s hard when you leave the room for peace and quiet but the kiddos just follow you everywhere 🤦🏻‍♀️

Yeah man! I totally can't keep up with people.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

1 or 2 TOPS

Autism isn't the end of the world. I learned to adapt and pass as 'normal'

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

That’s awesome! Have a great week!

I hear everything and I hate loud noises. My skin is very sensitive, especially my ears, so it hurts to wear ear plugs or over-the-ear hearing protectors. What should I do? I'm serious.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I’m the same exact way! I have some loop ear plugs and use the smallest size. I use them as long as I’m not moving but if I start to walk I can hear it and it agitates me. Then when I take them out I hear EVERYTHING. I wish I had tips but I’m still learning as well.

A lot of what you describe sounds like me and I have generalized anxiety, bi polar and other Things. Makes me wonder if autism is something I need to be tested for

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

That’s what I was diagnosed with for years before I figured out I was autistic!

@danielleaskvig3217

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg oh wow! I will definitely look into that

@danielleaskvig3217

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg thank you

OMG I was obsessed with the Gabby Petito case Before that with the Champlain towers in Miami I was even listening to the police radio It was all I'd do all day, every day. Since waking until going to sleep.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Me too!

Hello from a fellow autie! I live north of Dallas. How about you? I seem to have a lot of traits that you do, and 0 friends, besides my husband. Nice to meet you!

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Hey neighbor 👋🏼 I live by the gulf. My husband is my only friend as well!

I'm sensitive to light too and my brother and son. The light outside by the sun is because the ozone layer is broken. And these lights they have out are extreme and it's bad for the vision. They need to change the lighting system. Even the brightness of my phone is extreme. I always have it on the lowest setting. Yet...with my older phones it wasn't on my lowest setting, so they obviously heightened the light as if your a blind person. Smh

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I do that as well. I love light in my house but I can't look towards my window/outside because it kills my eyes. I got these white curtains from Walmart that were super cheap but they still let the sun in but not as bright. I also wear my sunglasses even if its cloudy because it's still too bright.

I did the same thing with the Gabby Petito case!

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I still see videos on KZread about it and I’m LOCKED IN

you have beautiful eyes!

@anjachan

Жыл бұрын

agree.

Can you please tell me what doctor diagnosed you? Im in Texas too. I’m so scared of getting diagnosed and having someone invalidate me. This is me 100% to the T.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Hey! I'll post a video soon with names and all my tips. I know how you feel! It's so important to find the right doctor. Sadly sometimes it takes more than one try and I know not all of us can afford that. Even trying to get my 2 year old daughter diagnosed has been difficult.

@candacequintero876

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg thank you so much!

Lol i was also obsessed with the brian laundrie case. Ask my mom. That's all i talked about and even made all my jokes about it

@lennoxblakeg

Жыл бұрын

Me too! I’ve been trying to keep up with the court hearings too!

strong surname, nice vid

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

You too! Thank you

i need help getting diagnosis. i live in kamloops

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I will be posting tips soon!

@MissLadyBelle

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg goodie! looking forward to that. thanks : )

B12,

#2 "[...] Like I get ANGRY" I can totally relate. Well prob to all because I'm autistic too but that was funny

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

😂 I try so hard not to but it drives me nuts

Hi , great video. When you were younger were you non verbal?

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Nope!

I dont think anyone truly knows how much I hate light touch because of masking. Not even my family. Hugs are fine if you make sure I know theyre coming but nudging, poking, your shoulder/elbow touching me while sitting on a bus? I'm internally screaming. I wish I never masked it growing up because if I was open, people would know and probably not do it.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I hate being touched no matter what but I’m COMPLETELY relate to that. Makes me cringe just thinking about it.

your symptoms are almost identical to mine :)

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

No way!

What we need is a women's asd support group ❤

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I think there might be one on Facebook! I don’t have Facebook but I’ll try to find it for you!

You should do more videos.

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I will post some soon! 🖤

Just found out I live with autism at 45. Explains everything!

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

That’s how it felt for me too!

I have an internal voice that goes “make eye contact.. make eye contact.. make eye contact.. now look away.. eye contact for 1.. 2.. okay that’s good.. look away.. look back..” 😂 I relate a lot but I dont thiiiink I have autism. 🤔 I do have ADHD/Social anxiety.. so there’s that 😂

Spoons?

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

I’ll make a video on spoon theory soon!

I wondered how all this impacted on your husband,and married life in general.Also ,from what I understand, AS people have difficulty recognizing their own emotions. I don’t mean this to sound cruel but how do you know you love your husband,following on from that,as to an NT love is something that is physically felt?

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your comment. I’d love to do a video with him someday if he’s comfortable. He’s as neurotypical as they get. Getting diagnosed as autistic actually helped our relationship immensely in many different ways. It gave us the tools to communicate in a different way when need be. I was a miserable person before I was diagnosed. I was over stimulated all the time and didn’t know how to communicate my needs and feelings. I do have a really hard time understanding my emotions. I do know what love feels like though, especially after having children.

@stephencolligan

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg Thanks for that - it’s appreciated,and I think a joint video would be really good too

Kinda off topic but you look like Megan Fox!

Please donate blankets to animal shelters. Clothing waste is so damaging for the environment :)

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for this! Such a great idea!

Jesus Christ, it seems like being diagnosed autistic has become a damned fashion trend. It doesn't mean anything. It's just your personality, who you are. Most of us function just fine. Everyone needs to stop trying to excuse themselves or label themselves as weird. You're not weird; not unique either. Every single one of the things listed here, I experience as well. BUT SO WHAT?

@lennoxblakeg

2 жыл бұрын

Oh can you call my Dr and therapist and tell them that? Thank you so much. Key words were “most of us” but what about all the other people who don’t “function just fine.” Should they have to just live their life struggling? Which leads to depression, addiction and possibly suicide. I can’t speak for anyone else, but for me I wanted to live a better life, not only for me but for my kids. I wanted the tools to help me do the daily tasks that I struggled with. And who can hate someone who is trying to be happy for themselves and their kids?? But thank you for your comment!

@DDDD17890

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg Exactly!

@sebastianra4213

2 жыл бұрын

@@lennoxblakeg I don't think Charming Jinx's comment was meant to be offensive. After someone told you that neurotypical people make more eye contact, have less issues with textures of clothes, enjoy being touched etc, should you force yourself to do all these thhngs as well or should you just accept, that you are the way you are? I.e. consider your way of behaving normal? Back in the old days hardly anyone was diagnosed with asd and us autists got along with it. Nowadays many are diagnosed. This has two sides: On the one hand you will most probably be more selfconscious. Do people find me strange? Is my way of talking appropriate? Can I pursue a regular work or will it be too exhausting? etc. On the other hand it would be really great if therapists could give autists so much advice, that finally they will not get depression, they will not be bullied or be thrown out of work. An autism diagnosis will be valuable when this second aspect dominates and it will be bad, if it keeps you from doing all the things, you would try to do without the diagnosis.